Description
Silky French cream puff cake offers a luxurious journey through delicate layers of choux pastry and velvety custard cream. Parisian bakery magic comes alive with each elegant slice, inviting dessert enthusiasts to savor a classic French culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
Dairy and Filling Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups (480 ml) cold milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)
- 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
Topping and Optional Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120 ml) chocolate syrup or melted chocolate
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400F (200C) and thoroughly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease layer to prevent sticking.
- Create the foundational dough by combining butter and water in a medium saucepan, bringing the mixture to a rapid boil over medium heat, then immediately removing from heat and vigorously stirring in flour until a cohesive dough ball forms.
- Allow the dough to cool slightly, then incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition to ensure a smooth, glossy texture that will provide structural integrity to the pastry base.
- Distribute the prepared dough evenly across the greased baking dish, maintaining a consistent thickness to promote uniform baking and golden coloration.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a puffy, golden-brown surface that indicates proper cooking, then remove and allow complete cooling.
- In a large mixing bowl, transform the cream cheese into a silky smooth consistency through vigorous beating.
- Gradually introduce milk and pudding mix to the cream cheese, continuing to blend until the mixture achieves a thick, luxurious cream with no lumps.
- Gently incorporate whipped topping into the cream mixture, folding delicately to maintain the light, airy texture.
- Once the pastry base has completely cooled, spread the cream filling in an even, generous layer across the entire surface.
- Enhance the dessert’s visual appeal and flavor by drizzling chocolate syrup or melted chocolate in an artistic pattern over the cream filling.
- Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of 2 hours to allow complete setting and flavor melding.
- When ready to serve, slice into neat squares and optionally dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Customize the Base: Experiment with different flavors by substituting vanilla pudding mix with chocolate, pistachio, or butterscotch for a unique twist on the classic cream puff cake.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Replace regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities without compromising the cake’s delicate texture.
- Control Sweetness Level: Reduce the sugar content by using sugar-free pudding mix and low-fat whipped topping, perfect for those watching their sugar intake or managing diabetes.
- Enhance Presentation: Create elegant individual servings by using a muffin tin instead of a baking dish, offering a stylish and portion-controlled dessert option for gatherings or parties.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg